Gatow village

Only a few kilometres separate the bustling centre of Spandau and one of the least populated districts of Berlin: the village of Gatow.

Gatow was a farming village which grew up around its oldest building, the 14th century village church. It has hardly changed in the course of its history because it did not fall into the hands of landowners capitalising on the expansion of Berlin. This meant that despite its scenic location by the Havel, Gatow did not become one of southwest Berlin’s mansion districts. An exception to this is the Villa Lemm, built in the English country house style for the shoe polish manufacturer Otto Lemm.

Today you can still discover some of the old farmyards and cobblestone paths. From the middle of the village it’s only a short walk down to the small bathing spot for a refreshing dip in the Havel. You can also take a stroll to the windmill and there are several farms selling local produce along Gatower Straße.

A visit to Gatow feels like a trip to the country. Albert Einstein, who spent several months here, knew this too, and kept his sailing boat in the boathouse by the small bathing meadow.